Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 2:15–16

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From the Word: 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God in them who are saved, and in them who perish— 16 to one an odor of death to death, to the other an aroma of life to life. And who is adequate for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:15–16)

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Holy Communion

What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?

It is pointed out in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Through these words the forgiveness of sin, life, and salvation are given to us in the Sacrament, for where there is forgiveness of sin, there is also life and salvation.

Pulling It Together: What a pleasing fragrance arises to God when his church believes the gospel by eating and drinking in remembrance of Christ Jesus. The aroma of our witness extends horizontally as well (1 Co 11:26). It touches the lives of others because the smell of Christ is in our eating and drinking. Of course, this is true because we are communing on Christ himself. But it is also true because the faith to do so is initiated by the Spirit of Christ within us. Jesus is the competency or adequacy of our table testimony. Holy Communion is Jesus Christ through and through, and because of that, a profound witness to himself until he comes again in glory to judge the living and the dead.

Prayer: I will depend upon you, Lord, to be the sufficiency of my witness for you. Amen.

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At a time when the Word of God is casually avoided or actively silenced, it is more important than ever to stress the power of at work when God speaks. This book not only reminds preachers of the importance of proclamation, it help lay readers to know what to listen for. 


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